Early Vlahovic goal gives Juventus record 15th Coppa Italia trophy

Dusan Vlahovic’s early goal proved enough to clinch Coppa Italia glory for Juventus as a 1-0 victory in Rome extended Gian Piero Gasperini’s wait for his first Atalanta trophy.

Juventus led inside just four minutes, Vlahovic showing strength and composure to hold off Isak Hien and finish after racing onto an Andrea Cambiaso through ball.

The Bianconeri defence held firm as Atalanta struggled to muster a response in the absence of suspended top scorer Gianluca Scamacca.

Both sides were denied by the woodwork late on, Ademola Lookman thumping the post and Fabio Miretti striking the bar, while Vlahovic had a second goal disallowed for the tightest of offsides as Juve claimed a deserved victory.

It offered a bright ending to an otherwise disappointing season and potentially the last trophy for Massimiliano Allegri, and the Bianconeri coach went out with a bang as he reacted to a stoppage-time red card by furiously ripping off his jacket and tie.

Juve extended their record Coppa Italia haul to 15 trophies, while Atalanta’s wait for their first since 1963 goes on and Gasperini will hope that the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen can finally deliver him a career-first trophy.

TALKING POINT – IF ALLEGRI IS GOING, HE’S GOING OUT ON A HIGH

The non-stop speculation about Allegri’s potential end of season exit is unlikely to die down after a Coppa Italia win and Champions League qualification – his two stated aims for the season – were achieved.

But the coach, whose reputation has taken such a battering during Juve’s nose-dive in form in recent months, gave a reminder here of why he’s renowned as a winner.

With Vlahovic leading a hungry attack and Gleison Bremer bossing a demonic defence, in-form Atalanta could find no answer to a perfect big-game performance from the Bianconeri. If Allegri does leave, he will do so with yet another winner’s medal around his neck.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – DUSAN VLAHOVIC

Big games call for big players and Vlahovic stepped up for Juventus to make sure that they will have something to show for this forgettable campaign.

A smart run, great strength and clinical finishing were on display for his opening goal, while he was unlucky to be denied a second when his deft glancing header was chalked off for a marginal offside. A constant menace, he looked fired up from the start and led Juve’s attack admirably.

PLAYER RATINGS

Atalanta: Carnesecchi 6; De Roon 7, Hien 6, Djimsiti 7; Zappacosta 6, Pasalic 6, Ederson 6, Ruggeri 6; Koopmeiners 6, Lookman 7, De Ketelaere 5. Subs: Toure 6, Hateboer 6, Scalvini 6, Miranchuk 6, Toloi 6

Juventus: Perin 6; Gatti 7, Bremer 8, Danilo 8; McKennie 6, Cambiaso 7, Nicolussi Caviglia 7, Rabiot 7, Iling-Junior 6; Vlahovic 9, Chiesa 7. Subs: Miretti 7, Yildiz 6, Weah 6, Milik 6

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

4’ GOAL! ATALANTA 0-1 JUVENTUS (VLAHOVIC)

What a start for Juventus! Vlahovic looks to just time his run right to stay onside for a through ball, and he takes a touch to settle while holding off Hien before finishing past Carnesecchi calmly. There’s a nervy wait for VAR to confirm – which it does!

72’ GOAL! ATALANTA 0-2 JUVENTUS (VLAHOVIC)

Is that game over? Vlahovic has stepped up big time tonight and he is there again to put a knife in the heart of Atalanta’s trophy hopes. The striker leaps to meet a cross from the right and glances into the bottom corner!

What drama! VAR has a look and Atalanta get a reprieve as there was an offside!

80’ LOOKMAN OFF THE POST!

Agonising for the Atalanta striker! He does brilliantly to work his way into space and get a shot off, but it cannons off the foot of the post and out. That’s as close as Atalanta have come, by far their best chance of the game.

Juve are again so close to doubling their lead. This time Miretti is slipped through and puts his laces through a shot but it leaves the crossbar shaking.

He gives the referee a sarcastic thumbs up, rips off his jacket and his tie, and storms down the tunnel! The Juve coach is FURIOUS as he sees red, presumably for dissent.

KEY STATS

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